07/01/2005

'SAFE' scheme aims to reduce street crime

Home Office Minister, Hazel Blears, has launched the first ever week of action, aimed at helping to protect schoolchildren from robbery.

'SAFE' week, which will run from January 10-14 in schools all over the country, will feature assemblies and lessons, designed by crime experts within the Home Office, teachers and police. The scheme, which is supported by Crimestoppers and Olympic champion boxer, Amir Khan, aims to provide young people with essential safety advice and help to reduce crime.

The government will also be running a series of TV and radio ads in conjunction with SAFE week, as part of the Home Office's 'Let's Keep Crime Down' camaign, which was launched in November last year.

Speaking at the launch of 'SAFE' week at Burnage School in Manchester, Ms Blears said: "Being a victim of crime is a traumatic experience for anyone, but especially for young people – and unfortunately, children can make easy targets for thieves, often school age themselves."

The Home Office Minister said that the campaign would provide children with information to help prevent them becoming a target for thieves. She said: "Lessons in 'SAFE' week will focus on how simple precautions – keeping mobile phones hidden, not flashing about valuables , like MP3 players, keeping lockers locked – can make the difference between keeping and losing treasured possessions."

Some of the 'keeping safe' tips that children will be taught during 'SAFE' week include: not flashing valuable items about;making sure that bags are kept zipped and that wallets and purses cannot be seen and being aware of your surroundings at all times. The campaign will also stress that boys are just as likely to be targeted as girls.

Ms Blears also stressed that the campaign would send a strong deterrent message to both active or potential young offenders: "Most young people do not commit crime, but those who do tend to target victims their own age. 'SAFE' will make them realise that robbery is serious – and so are the consequences."

Further information about 'SAFE' week is available from www.crimestoppers-uk.org/solving/safe

(KMcA/SP)

Related UK National News Stories
Click here for the latest headlines.

27 October 2005
Report reveals 'confusion' over online safety
Millions of UK Internet users are putting themselves at risk of online attack because they do not understand the threats to their computer and the information stored on it, and the ways to protect it. A new campaign ‘Get Safe Online’ launched in London today, aims to highlight this serious problem.
02 August 2012
Wiggins Speaks Out On Safety After London Cyclist Dies
Olympic gold-winning cyclist Bradley Wiggins has called for better protections for bike-riders after a cyclist died in a road accident on the edge of the Olympic Park. Amateur cyclist Dan Harris, 28, was on his way home from work yesterday when he and his bicycle were hit by a bus full of London 2012 journalists.
16 January 2006
Theft prevention scheme targets teens
Young people are being urged to keep valuable possessions such as mobile phones and MP3 players safe, as the government launches a national anti-robbery week.
24 April 2006
Guidance on crime protection for vulnerable adults published
The Home Office has published guidance on how vulnerable adults and those with learning difficulties can protect themselves from crime. The 'Keep Safe' booklet contains advice on how to keep safe when at home and outside alone, including tips on using public transport and cash machines.
14 February 2012
UK Electricians To Get Tax Shock
Electricians around the country will start receiving letters this month from HM Revenue & Customs (HMRC) warning them to pay any undisclosed taxes. Under the 'time-limited tax opportunity' electricians will be allowed to pay the tax they owe with lower penalties.